Are You Due Damages? Here Is What You Should Know
Have you suffered damages due to somebody else? If you have, it makes sense to talk to a personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are respected and that you are awarded compensation for your personal injury and damages.
Due damages? Here is what you need to know:
Type Of Damages
When it comes to compensation for damages in personal injury cases, there are a few different kinds that you may be eligible for:
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Property loss
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
Don’t forget to add in special damages to your personal injury suit, if applicable. These include things like sick time used during recuperation, medication costs, and basically any other out-of-pocket expenses that you have incurred. Keep copious track with receipts.
Steps To Recover Damages
Now that you know what you are owed, how do you go about recovering damages? There is a bit of a process that you will go through, which is another compelling reason to be represented by a qualified personal injury attorney. Here is what to expect:
Initial Consultation
First things first: make an appointment to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Most will schedule an initial consultation at no charge- and do not get paid until you are compensated. Your attorney should be able to explain elements of law and inform you if you have a case during this meeting.
File Court Documents
It is imperative that you file your court paperwork and documents on time. Failure to meet stringent timelines could make you ineligible for compensation- and you may have to begin the process all over again. Consider how your paperwork documents your case and put effort into finding it and keeping it organized for attorneys and the court process to come.
Pretrial Motions
Your lawyer will now make pretrial motions on your behavior to build your case and show the evidence that you have documented and prepared. This is a very important phase that can make or break your entire case.
Negotiate a Settlement
Before you go to court, negotiations may occur. This is when lawyers and parties involved try to figure out what is due, and whether anyone is going to compensate you. If your case is strong, the negotiations may reflect this as the other party may be reticent to take the case to court.
Attend Mediation
If negotiations fail, you may be asked to participate in mediation. This is yet another attempt to resolve the issue- or you and your attorney may choose to take it to court.
If this seems like a lot, it can be! Many parties do not make it easy to get compensation for damages that you have suffered, which is why personal injury attorneys are so important. Don’t settle for less than you deserve- get compensated for your injury and your damages. Talk to a reputable personal injury law firm to learn more.